Bruno Fernandes

Fernandes needs to temper his high-risk/high-reward approach to be part of a team that can consistently produce.

The Dane again looked tired after 70 minutes working in the central midfield pivot, while [Scott McTominay](https://theathletic.com/football/player/scott-mctominay-rXernJIkIW9dTOdt/) — who is a necessary selection due to his height and energy — looks unsure of himself when receiving the ball. Keep more of the ball in possession, or break out and produce a second goal.” [Tyrell Malacia](https://theathletic.com/football/player/tyrell-malacia-nCnyeo8KeaKTlhYC/) is proving a tenacious and precocious option at left-back; energetic enough to remedy any mistakes that stem from his lack of experience. Fernandes will continue to retain Ten Hag’s favour as he is someone able to make something out of nothing. Or we have to play over the top,” said Ten Hag when asked if the responsibility of ball progression would have to be carried by United’s full-backs. Fernandes cuts a very different figure in 2022-23 than the one who arrived in January 2020 and served as the attacking catalyst to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team. [Bruno Fernandes](https://theathletic.com/football/player/bruno-fernandes-qr6VV7sJwbrbqULf/) was in. (Apologies for having to tilt your head to spot the No 8 here.) “We built it up from the back and there were some more moments straight after half-time where it was well played from the team. [Manchester United](https://theathletic.com/football/team/manchester-united/) had begun a promising counter-attack against [Southampton](https://theathletic.com/football/team/southampton/) and were sending attackers forward in numbers. In the first half, it appeared the plan was to use Fernandes more as an off-ball runner making late sprints into the penalty area. His through-ball was intercepted and a great opportunity was wasted.